Ecuador’s “Middle of the Earth” – Straddling the Equator

Standing with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere, you can’t help but feel a thrill of excitement.

The bright yellow line at the Mitad del Mundo monument marks the equator, and as you straddle it, you snap a photo of your feet to send to friends, capturing the moment you stood at the center of the world. The towering 30-meter-tall stone monument, crowned with a globe, looms above you, its polished andesite stone gleaming in the sunlight.

The air is filled with the chatter of fellow tourists, the scent of local street food wafting through the park, and the vibrant colors of Ecuadorian crafts on display.

The Mitad del Mundo monument, constructed between 1979 and 1982, commemorates the 18th-century Franco-Spanish Geodesic Mission, a pivotal scientific expedition that measured the Earth’s shape. This grand structure, with its iron and concrete frame, stands as a tribute to the mission’s achievements and the scientists who made it possible. As you gaze up at the globe atop the monument, you feel a sense of awe at the history and significance of this place.

The surrounding park, Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, is a bustling hub of activity. You explore the Ethnographic Museum,      where      exhibits


showcase the rich cultural heritage of Ecuador’s indigenous peoples. The vibrant displays and artifacts offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s diverse traditions and lifestyles. Outside, you join in on interactive experiments that demonstrate the unique effects of the equator. Balancing an egg on a nail and watching water drain in different directions on either side of the equator are simple yet captivating demonstrations of the Coriolis effect.

But… you didn’t really stand across the equator.

That line was wrong.  It was laid out when the original monument was built in 1936 using the best technology of the day.  When the original monument was moved off to the nearby town of Calacali and the new monument constructed, the park and surrounding community was already in place, so the only logical solution was to live with the error.

The real equator is about 800 feet to the north, outside the park.

So to REALLY stand across the equator, you need to eave the Mitad del Mundo Park. Exit the main park and take a left along the road that goes slightly uphill. Keep an eye out for signs directing you to the Intiñan Museum, and follow the short dirt road to the museum.

At the Intiñan Museum, you find the true equatorial line, accurately marked using modern GPS technology. Here, you can once again straddle the equator, this time knowing you’re truly at the center of the world.

The museum offers a range of equator-related experiments, similar to those at Mitad del Mundo, but with the added thrill of being precisely on the equator.

The Intiñan Museum itself is a treasure trove of exhibits and activities that are well worth the short trek, even if you’re not a stickler on perfect geographic accuracy. You explore displays on Ecuadorian culture, history, and the natural world. The museum’s guides share fascinating stories and insights, making your visit both educational and entertaining. From traditional dances to demonstrations of ancient techniques, the museum provides a rich, immersive experience.

So, why not take a journey to the middle of the world and experience the magic of Mitad del Mundo and the Intiñan Museum for yourself? Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure that will leave you standing in awe—quite literally—at the center of the Earth.

For more information

• mitaddelmundo.gob.ec

museointinan.com